Facial plastic surgeon Anil Shah shares his insider forecast—from pre-emptive facelifts to wellness-based beauty routines—set to shape the year ahead.
Upcoming trends in plastic surgery are expected to shift toward more integrated, full-face rejuvenation and an increase in preventative surgical procedures among younger patients, according to Chicago-based facial plastic surgeon Anil Shah, MD, FACS.
His top five projections for 2026 indicate a move away from isolated corrections and toward procedures that provide natural-looking results while incorporating wellness and advanced non-surgical technologies.
1. A Move Toward Full-Face Rejuvenation
According to the Shah, patients are increasingly seeking to address the entire face—including the eyes, brows, cheeks, jawline, and neck—rather than focusing on single problem areas. This approach aims to create harmonious and subtle outcomes.
“The goal is to look like yourself—but 15 to 20 years younger,” says Shah, in a release. “Patients want subtle, natural improvements, not drastic changes.” He notes that celebrity influence has shifted patient expectations toward enhancing natural beauty and respecting the aging process. “Today’s aesthetics help patients look great at any age without looking artificial,” he says.
2. The Rise of the Pre-Emptive Facelift
A significant trend is the growing number of patients under 50 opting for deep plane facelifts. This demographic is choosing to undergo surgical procedures earlier as a preventative measure rather than waiting to correct more advanced signs of aging. Factors driving this shift include social media influence, a preventative beauty culture, and the aesthetic effects of new GLP-1 medications.
“While non-surgical treatments have their place, nothing lifts and tightens skin quite like surgery,” says Shah in a release.
3. Pairing Procedures with Non-Surgical Options
The forecast also points to the increased layering of non-surgical and surgical treatments. Lasers, fillers, and skin-tightening technologies are being used to complement and enhance surgical results. “Layering treatments intelligently creates a refreshed, youthful look,” says Shah, in a release. “Though these don’t replace surgery, they can enhance overall results.”
4. A Move to Inside-Out Aesthetics
Alongside procedural pairings, an “inside-out” approach is gaining traction, he says. This involves incorporating supplements, peptides, and lifestyle optimization to support internal health, which can improve healing and final outcomes.
“Patients have realized that true beauty starts from within,” says Shah in a release. “A healthier body means faster healing and better results.”
5. Prioritizing Safety in Combined Treatments
As patients seek multiple treatments, a focus on safety through moderation and advanced technology is critical. The trend emphasizes minimizing risks and complications associated with combined procedures.
“Less is more. Using gentler lasers and spacing treatments reduces complications like swelling and pigmentation,” says Shah in a release.
ID 29800877 © Hongqi Zhang (aka Michael Zhang) | Dreamstime.com
